Former Alabama legendary coach Nick Saban has no ill feelings for Vanderbilt anymore now that he has already retired from coaching two years ago. Alabama and Vanderbilt used to be fierce competitors and with Saban coaching Alabama, the coach never admired the program since they were rivals. However, on Saturday, ahead of Vanderbilt’s clash against Missouri in Nashville, Saban had a change of tone.
On Saturday, while Vanderbilt fans were booing Saban, the seven-time national champion winning coach gave them reason not to anymore. According to Mike Rodak, Saban turned to the Nashville crowd and said:
“Coach Saban is jumping on the Vanderbilt bandwagon.”
Nick Saban booed by Vanderbilt fans whenever he talks on @CollegeGameDay. He turned to crowd and said, “Coach Saban is jumping on the Vanderbilt bandwagon.”
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) October 25, 2025
Vanderbilt, who defeated Alabama last year but tasted defeat this year, has started the season 6-1. They are ranked No. 10 and will face the No. 15 Missouri Tigers.
Nick Saban Delivers High Praise for Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
Diego Pavia is having another great year leading the offense, resulting in Vanderbilt’s stellar start to the season. The quarterback is being praised from all corners of college football and Nick Saban also had appreciative words.
While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this month, Saban said:
“I don’t think there’s any question about it. This is a lot better Vanderbilt team this year than what they had last year. Last year to me it was the Diego Pavia show. He ran it. They did quarterback runs. He dominated the game. He dominates the game now in a different way because to me he makes every player on his team better, because he’s a much better passer. Went from 57% to 70% completion.”
He added that Vanderbilt is “a lot better” this year in large part because of Pavia’s evolution and leadership. Saban said:
“He’s got better skill guys, better runner. I think they’re a little better on defense. So this is a real team to me. And this guy is a tremendous playmaker. He’s like a point guard out there. So this is going to be real challenging game. I think the big thing is, is you talk about what’s people’s perception.”
It remains to be seen if Vanderbilt, who added another legendary fan in Nick Saban this year, can defeat Missouri and retain home advantage.
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